B. fumigata colony questions

[ahicks51]

I finally slapped a heating pad on my B. fumigata colony (taking it from 20C to 27C); I was keeping them far too cool. But I was wondering when to expect the first signs of success. What size are the young, and when would they begin to appear?

 

[Matt K]

Mine live at around 82'F (you'll have to convert to 'C) and have reproduced like mad. Assuming yours have not already bred despite the cooler temps, about 6 weeks or so I would think. I seem to recall that under ideal conditions they could birth maybe every 45-50 days, and under 'less than ideal conditions' once or never even if they did mate successfully. If they did mate while "far too cool" then it would be a total guess on anyones part...

 

[ahicks51]

Well, then- stupid question #2: what do I look for? I've seen egg cases of the common roaches of Arizona and Texas, but how big are the young of this species when newly-hatched?

Also- any advice on humidity and moisture would be welcome. A local guy at the pet store says he keeps related species without substrate and without water. I use peat-based substrate with no added moisture other than in food, but now I'm wondering if that'll dry out the egg cases or not. Ambient humidity is around 10%, and it can't be that much higher inside the bin.

 

[Matt K]

There is often more than one way to skin a cat depending on what works best in your household and no such thing as a stupid question unless you already know the answer and everyone knows you know it....

When you first notice young they may be 1/4 inch or slightly less, and not as shiney or colored as the adults- more of a "plain brown". No egg cases- they retain those and birth live young.
It sounds too dry- I would pour a little water on the substrate and mix it around until it is very slightly moist- but not much. If you feed alot of fruits/ wet veggies then that is why no water would be added - they can drink by sucking the water out of the substrate.